This hantavirus transmission guide explains how people are exposed, why rodents are the main reservoir, and why Andes virus is treated as the major person-to-person exception.
Hantavirus transmission to people usually occurs after contact with infected rodents or material contaminated by rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Contaminated dust in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces is a key exposure route.
Hantavirus transmission can also occur when contaminated saliva, urine, or droppings contact broken skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. Rodent bites are another possible but less common route.
ANDES VIRUS
Most hantavirus transmission is not person to person. WHO notes that documented human-to-human spread has been associated with Andes virus in the Americas and remains uncommon.
Andes virus hantavirus transmission has been linked to close and prolonged contact, especially household or intimate contact.
WHO describes person-to-person risk as most likely during the early phase of illness, when the virus appears more transmissible.
Contact monitoring after Andes virus exposure is a public-health response to possible hantavirus transmission during incubation.
Reducing hantavirus transmission risk starts with rodent control, safe cleanup, ventilation, disinfecting contaminated material, and avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings.
Read prevention guide